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Car locked away in Bucks garage for over 30 years is sold for whopping amount

The old mini was found in a garage near Aylesbury and was sold for nearly £40,000 <i>(Image: SWNS)</i>
The old mini was found in a garage near Aylesbury and was sold for nearly £40,000 (Image: SWNS)

A 'sleeping beauty' vintage Mini that spent 33 years in a dusty garage has been sold for four times its estimate.

Described as an 'astonishing result', the 1275 GT model was purchased for £39,100 in a weekend sale, after being expected to make £10,000.

The motor was uncovered in a locked Aylesbury garage, where it has been gathering dust since 1990.

READ MORE: Bucks reverend announces he's leaving the church over same-sex marriage

A spokesperson for Classic Car Auctions commented: "One can only wonder why its owner garaged it for three decades.

"But its discovery patently delighted the Mini enthusiasts at the sale as one more of these ground-breaking British automotive icons.

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"This was an astonishing result built on substantial pre-sale interest."

The lot description said the motor had one owner from new, with just 11,836 miles on the clock.

Bucks Free Press: The front of the car had not seen daylight for over 30 years
Bucks Free Press: The front of the car had not seen daylight for over 30 years

The front of the car had not seen daylight for over 30 years (Image: SWNS)

It described the car as finished in bronze yellow over black vinyl, with bodywork and interior in remarkable condition.

While not known why the Mini was padlocked away, stickers indicate the next service was due at 13,438 miles and the tax disc expired at the end of June 1990.

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Also hitting the high notes was musician Chris Rea's 1950 Series I model Land Rover.

Classic Car Auctions had set a guide price of £10,000 - £12,000 for the motor, which they say has been lightly used latterly and kept in dry storage.

However, the Road to Hell singer's off-roader was a hit with bidders, achieving £17,250.

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The vehicle was previously in long-term ownership for 35 years, from 1986 until December 2021 before being acquired by Rea.

Believed to have been rebuilt sometime in the 1970s, the Land Rover is fitted with a Rover 2000 SC (P6) engine, which Classic Car said is "smooth running and suited to the car."

A new Exmoor trim canvas tilt roof was fitted three years ago, and a replacement tailgate was fitted installed.

"Everyone loves a Series I, the most sought-after Land Rover," add Classic Car Auctions.

The sale happened at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show on 25th - 26th March at the NEC, Birmingham.